Stevenage begin their 2021/22 campaign on Saturday afternoon at the Lamex against Barrow, writes Owen Rodbard.

A season to be optimistic about, to get behind the team, and with fans back in the stadium, certainly not one to miss.

Manager Alex Revell has kept all but one of the key squad members from the renaissance of the second half of last season, with Tom Pett moving to pastures new at Port Vale.

New signings such as former Exeter captain Jake Taylor, James Daly and Jamie Reid, along with retaining key players like Luther Wildin, Charlie Carter and Chris Lines is the sign of a team on the up.

The players, fans and management all believe this could be a very exciting season for the Hertfordshire outfit, with assistant manager Dean Wilkins pointing to the ambition of winning the league.

There's a feeling that something very special is building here, with Revell even stating this is the 'most together' squad he's ever seen in his long career.

With experienced Wilkins guiding Revs into his second year of management, it almost feels like a new dawn at Boro.

For years fans have endured mediocre or 'nearly there' seasons, but this year feels different.

Optimism is high (which is natural for a fan of Stevenage), but for good reason.

As someone who was lucky enough to attend matches last season, I had a specific insight into the management and what goes occurs on the pitch.

Not since the Westley days has there been so much excitement to start the season (even if the bookies have Boro at second favourites for relegation).

I see Boro as potential dark horses this season.

Even with the big clubs such as Bradford, Bristol Rovers and Exeter to compete with, this could be a season to remember for the boys in red and white.